I was given an older Hobie 16 and I don't live anywhere near the water, nor do I have much interest in learning to sail. I found these forums and from what I've read, it sounds like there are some very passionate sailors out there who might be able to help me figure out what to do with this boat. Its missing a rudder and a trampoline, but everything else is in tact and it doesn't appear to have had any substantial repairs. Sail says "46560". I'm assuming that means something.

My initial thought is to sell it, obviously, but I don't even know where to start.

I can't figure out how to upload pictures to a post, but I have quite a few if anyone needs/wants to see them.

If you look on the stern of each hull (where the rudders go), you'll find a series of numbers and letters (should be the same for each hull, but may not be). It might take some washing for the numbers to show. But with the serial number, we can identify the age of the boat. Also, tap the hulls on both sides every foot or so. They should sound the same, and a soft, squishy sound indicates a hull problem in that location.

The sail number does provide some indication of age, combined with the color(s) and pattern of the colors. Different sail patterns were sold in different years, and some sail patterns are more desirable then others. Very roughly guessing the sail number seems to have been from around 1979.

What is the condition of the sails and mast? It seems like it would be more likely to sell as a parts boat, rather then as used. And location matters a lot. Shipping the mast and/or hulls is expensive, and would begin to quickly exceed the value of them. I'm saying this because you're saying that you don't live anywhere near water. The same Hobie 16 in Florida or California is worth a lot more then it would be in Colorado.

TTTH07 - My sail number is 44868 and the boat was built in 1979. The difference between your sail number and mine is 1,692; so your boat was probably built in 1980 or 1981.As jmecky suggested, you should provide us with your location so that others on this forum could provide you with the name of a nearby Hobie Dealer. Or, if there is an interested party who might live nearby they could come over to check out the boat if you provide then with your contact information.Hopefully the boat and sails are in good condition and someone nearby will be able to get some use and excitement out of it.